Karin Richter Fine Art

Newsletter

Summer 2022

Early summer so far has been a tale of two coasts, experienced in the company of two
wonderful groups of art-minded individuals - our beautiful East Coast, in particular
Newfoundland and our equally beautiful West Coast, specifically the Great Bear
Rainforest!

There are of course differences but also many similarities. Due to its harsher climate
out there in the Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland is definitely “the rock” it is known for,
featuring windblown trees, a sometimes barren and boggy landscape as well as
beautiful plunging cliffs into a raging ocean. The northern peninsula features
mountainous areas like Gros Morne Provincial Park and the exposed earth’s mantle, a
unique sight.
The North is also where the Vikings first landed. We visited L’Anse-aux-Meadows where
we got a feel for what it must have been like in those days!

The charming fishing villages everywhere else are lovely places to wander and connect
with Newfoundland’s people who are just as charming and generous as we saw them in

“Come from Away”.

A definite highlight was a cruise where we were all “screeched in” as honorary
Newfoundland citizens!

The West Coast, on the other hand, is definitely more lush with incredible old-growth
forests featuring an equal abundance of rocks and wonderful wildlife. Being on a small
historic tugboat meant that we were free to explore the estuaries and inlets and savour
the quiet of this wilderness, admiring the local citizens!
These are special places, full of inspiration for the artist in us, providing time to
recharge our batteries. Nature never ceases to amaze and we are lucky to be in its
presence. I have been to this part of the world before and I love painting this subject
matter:

“Fertile Ground”, Pastel 16”x12” “Forest Floor”, Pastel, 30”x20”

Coming home always requires an adjustment but summer offers many distractions in
Calgary, one of them being the Stampede which may return to some normalcy this year.
I definitely want to see the art at the BMO centre and get some mini donuts! At other
times, I can be seen wandering our assorted neighbourhoods with camera in hand,
trying to capture some street and backalley scenes which I enjoy painting!

“Rush Hour”, Pastel, 16”x20” “Mt. Royal Charm”, Pastel 16”x12”

Markets are always a good source for reference material with its variety of subject
matter, from figurative to produce.

“At the Market”, Pastel, 12”x16”

I also promised myself to do more experimenting this summer: playing with materials
and paint to see what transpires. Often we are too focused on the outcome and do not
play enough!

On rainy Sunday evenings, if any, you may want to check out the “Portrait or Landscape
Artist of the Year” on the “Makeful” Channel (555). They also have an art program called
“Drawers Off”, a lighthearted approach to life drawing - around the same time - so
check it out. The internet is also a good place to check out videos on different painters
and their techniques!

Future travel is in the plans. A group is ready to travel to the Amalfi Coast/Italy in
October so let me know if this is something you are interested in as cancellations do
occur and spots may become available.
Regular art classes resume the week after Labour Day so put your name down at either
Parkdale Nifty Fifties or Strathcona Community Centre. Their programming can be
viewed online later this summer. I am available for online Zoom talks, critiques, demos
or workshops.

Have a wonderful summer, enjoy!

Karin

www.karinrichter.com, www.workshopinabag.com
www.karinrichterfineart.blogspot.com, @karinrichterfineart, www.artincanada.com,
www.artbylocals.ca

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